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Building Bridges: Hispanic/Latino Catholics and the Shaping of the Church in America



As a Catholic with Hispanic roots, I have always been proud of the rich history and culture of Hispanic/Latino Catholicism. For centuries, Catholics of Hispanic/Latino descent have played a vital role in the Church, and their contributions have shaped the future of Catholicism in America. In this article, I will explore the history of Hispanic/Latino Catholics in America, the current state of the Hispanic/Latino Catholic population, their role in shaping the future of the Church, the challenges they face, and the importance of celebrating and embracing their traditions and customs.


Introduction to Hispanic/Latino Catholicism

Hispanic/Latino Catholicism has a long and rich history that dates back to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the Americas in the 16th century. The Catholic Church quickly became the dominant religion in the Spanish colonies, and the Church played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas. As a result, Hispanic/Latino Catholics have a deep connection to the Catholic faith, and their traditions and customs reflect this history.


The History of Hispanic/Latino Catholics in America

Hispanic/Latino Catholics have been a part of the American Catholic Church since its inception. Spanish missionaries established the first permanent Catholic settlement in the United States in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. Hispanic/Latino Catholics have also played a significant role in the expansion of the Church in the Southwest, where they founded missions and churches throughout the region.


During the 20th century, Hispanic/Latino Catholics became an increasingly significant part of the American Catholic Church. In the 1960s, the Second Vatican Council encouraged the Church to embrace diversity, and Hispanic/Latino Catholics began to play a more prominent role in the Church’s leadership and mission.

Though the process was slow, in 1970, the first Hispanic priest was ordained in the US; in 1982, the Hispanic Liturgy Subcommittee was formed; and thanks to their work, in 1985, Spanish was confirmed as a liturgical language in the United States Catholic Church.


From this base two significant accomplishments would be made: the development of the Sacramentary (the book of prayers used by priest at the Eucharist) adapted for the U.S. Hispanic community and the official recognition of the United States as a Spanish-speaking country.[1]


The current state of the Hispanic/Latino Catholic population

Today, Hispanic/Latino Catholics make up a significant portion of the American Catholic Church. According to a study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), Hispanic/Latino Catholics account for approximately 40% of all Catholics in the United States. This percentage is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as Hispanic/Latino Catholics have higher birth rates and are more likely to remain Catholic than other demographic groups.


The challenges faced by Hispanic/Latino Catholics in the Church

Despite their many contributions, Hispanic/Latino Catholics still face many challenges within the Church. Today we have an Argentinian Pope and a Mexican American president of the USCCB. However, one of the biggest challenges we still face is a lack of bilingual and bicultural representation in parish leadership and, in some areas, at the diocesan level. While Hispanic/Latino Catholics make up a significant portion of the Church's membership, they are underrepresented in positions of authority and influence.


This can lead to a lack of advocacy and visibility within decision-making structures. With no seat at the table, we have seen slow to no progress in vocations, diaconate programs, and pastoral plans.


Another challenge faced by Hispanic/Latino Catholics is language barriers. Many Hispanic/Latino Catholics are more comfortable speaking Spanish than English, and this can make it difficult for them to participate fully in the life of the Church. Additionally, some Hispanic/Latino Catholics feel that their cultural traditions and customs are not fully embraced or appreciated by local Churches.


The Contributions of Hispanic/Latino Catholics to the Church

Even in the face of these challenges, Hispanic/Latino Catholics have made many significant contributions to the Church. The most important of which is bringing the Faith to the Americas. They have brought a rich cultural heritage to the Church, and their traditions and customs have helped to enrich the Catholic faith.


Hispanic/Latino Catholics have also been active in promoting the Church’s social teaching, and their advocacy work has challenged the Church to put our faith in action.


They have also played a key role in the growth of the Church in America. A study from the V Encuentro sows that Hispanic/Latinos are responsible for about 70% of the growth of the Catholic church in America. They have founded, and continue to found, new parishes and schools, and their entrepreneurial spirit has helped to create new Catholic institutions and businesses.


This is clear in the south and western states where towns, streets, and institutions reflect our influence and legacy.


Celebrating Hispanic/Latino Catholic traditions and customs

One of the best ways to embrace and celebrate the rich history and culture of Hispanic/Latino Catholicism is to learn about and participate in their traditions and customs. The Hispanic/Latino Catholic diaspora brings with it a rich music, dance, and art tradition, and these expressions of faith can be a powerful way to connect with God and the Church.


In 1999 John Paul II recognized the significant contributions of Hispanic/Latino Catholics and the influence of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1999 he declared her the “Patroness of the Americas” and the “Star of the New Evangelization.” Thus, forever linking the fate of the American church with the Hispanics/Latinos.


The importance of outreach to the Hispanic/Latino Catholic community

To fully embrace the diversity of the Church, it is necessary to reach out to the Hispanic/Latino Catholic community and make them feel welcome and included. This can be done through a variety of means, such as offering Spanish-language Masses and religious education classes, promoting Hispanic/Latino Catholic traditions and customs, and actively recruiting Hispanic/Latino Catholics for leadership positions within the Church.


It is also important to recognize and address the unique challenges the Hispanic/Latino Catholic community faces. This includes recognizing the diversity within the Hispanic/Latino diaspora: we are not a race of people (within the diaspora are those of Asian, Arabic, African, and indigenous decent), we are connected by language but often have different cultures. For example, we are from different countries of origin within the Americas. Also, there are generational Hispanics/Latinos who have been in the USA since the 1500’s. So, recognize that our history is the history of the Americas, including the United States. Recognize issues such as language barriers and lack of representation in Church leadership and be prepared to address them.


The Role of Hispanic/Latino Catholics in Shaping the future of the Church in America

Clearly, Catholics of Hispanic/Latino descent have played a vital role in shaping the Church in America. But what about the future? In his seminal work, The National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry, Dr. Hoffsman Ospino estimates that Hispanics comprise 31.2 million of America’s 78 million Catholics. He adds that this community is standing between decline and the Catholic Church in America. With larger families and a strong faith, Hispanic are not just poised to be the future, they are the Church’s present.


In addition to their advocacy work, Hispanic/Latino Catholics have also been instrumental in the growth of the Church in America. They have founded new parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions and have played a key role in bringing new Catholic worship and spirituality forms.


However, Hispanics/Latinos still face secularization, and without proper support from the Institution, we run the risk of not just alienating this group but adding them to the ranks of the so-called “nones” or those who do not identify with any faith.


Resources for Hispanic/Latino Catholics in the Church

There are many resources available to Catholics of Hispanic/Latino descent in the Church. These include Spanish-language Bibles, prayer books, and other religious materials. There are also many Catholic organizations and ministries that cater specifically to the needs of Hispanic/Latino Catholics, such as the National Council of Catholic Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) and the National Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM).


In addition, there are works published by Hispanic/Latino thought leaders and scholars which shed light on our history and contributions. Lastly, the Proceedings and Findings of the V Encuentro is a must-read for those seeking to understand the Hispanic-Catholic experience today.


Conclusion: Embracing the diversity of the Church

Hispanic/Latino Catholics have played a vital role in the Church's history, and their contributions continue to shape the future of the Church in America. By embracing and celebrating the rich history and culture of Hispanic/Latino Catholicism, we do the will of the Lord who prayed “that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you...so that the world may believe...” (John 17:21).


As a Catholic of Hispanic descent, I am proud of my heritage and grateful for my faith. I believe that the Church can benefit greatly from the unique perspectives and contributions of Hispanic/Latino Catholics. I encourage all Catholics to learn more about the Hispanic/Latino Catholic experience and so better prepare for our Church’s future.

[1] Dolan, Jay P. & A. F. Deck. 1994. Hispanic Catholic Culture in the U.S.: Issues and Concerns. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press.

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Leyden is a highly sought-after
motivational Catholic speaker with 15+years of combined experience as a ministry leader, trainer, and diocesan leader.

Leyden works with parish groups,
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She also serves as Director of Hispanic Ministry with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

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